What GPA do you need for Canadian grad school?
Most Canadian graduate programmes state a minimum GPA for admission, usually framed as a B+ average in your final two years. The exact number depends on the scale the school uses.
The common benchmark
A B+ average is typically a 3.3 on a 4.0 scale (or the equivalent percentage, often around 77–80%). Many programmes look specifically at your last two years or last 60 credits rather than your whole record, which helps applicants who started slowly.
How the scale changes the number
Because some schools use a 4.0 maximum and others 4.33, a “3.5” means different things. A 3.5/4.33 is a lower standing than a 3.5/4.0. Always report the scale, and expect admissions committees to normalise across scales when they compare applicants.
Competitive vs minimum
The published minimum is rarely the competitive number. Funded master's and PhD spots often go to applicants well above the floor — frequently an A− average (3.7) or higher — plus research fit and references.
If your GPA is borderline
Strong final-year grades, relevant research or work, and a clear statement can offset a lower cumulative GPA, especially where the last-two-years rule applies. Convert international grades with an evaluation so your figure is read correctly.
Key takeaways
- The common floor is a B+ average (~3.3/4.0), often over the last two years.
- Report your scale — a 3.5/4.33 differs from a 3.5/4.0.
- Competitive/funded spots usually need an A− (3.7) or higher.
- Late-degree improvement and research fit can offset a soft start.